Secondary-game-mode sessions based on primary-game-mode arrangements of user-controlled elements

ABSTRACT

Approaches for secondary-game-mode sessions based on primary-game-mode arrangements of user-controlled elements are provided. Actions by user-controlled elements of a first user or other game-space elements in a primary game mode of a game space may be managed. A session request for a session in a secondary game mode of the game space may be received from the first user. A first session for the first user may be executed in the secondary game mode such that: (i) the first session involves artificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against the user-controlled elements; (ii) an arrangement of the user-controlled elements at a beginning of the first session is the same as an arrangement of the user-controlled elements in the primary game mode at a time of the session request; and (iii) impacts on the user-controlled elements during the first session in the secondary game mode are not reflected in the primary game mode.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to secondary-game-mode sessions, suchas secondary-game-mode sessions based on primary-game-mode arrangementsof user-controlled elements or other secondary-game-mode sessions.

BACKGROUND

In a game space (or other virtual space), users may create and developtheir elements (e.g., structures, character units, items, or otherelements). The elements may be controlled by the users to interact withthe virtual space and/or each other. For example, users may utilizetheir user-controlled elements to attack other user-controlled elementsor defend against other user-controlled elements, resulting in damage orother impacts to their user-controlled elements. However, users aretypically unable to test out the user-controlled elements that they havecreated and developed, or their strategies and skills using theiruser-controlled elements, for instance, without incurring damage orother impacts to their user-controlled elements. These and otherdrawbacks exist.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure relates to a system configured tofacilitate secondary-game-mode sessions based on primary-game-modearrangements of user-controlled elements, in accordance with one or moreimplementations. In exemplary implementations, regular game play may beprovided to users in a primary game mode of a game space where the usersmay create and develop their user-controlled elements to defend theirbases, attack other bases of other users, or perform other actions.Training, practice, or other sessions may be executed in a secondarygame mode of the game space for users where an arrangement of theuser-controlled elements of a user at a beginning of a session in thesecondary game mode is the same as an arrangement of the user-controlledelements in the primary game mode at a time of a session request for thesecondary-game-mode session by the user. In certain implementations,impacts on the user-controlled elements during the secondary-game-modesession may not be reflected for the user-controlled elements in theprimary game mode. For example, damage to the user-controlled elementsthat is caused by artificial-intelligence-controlled elements or otheropponents during the secondary-game session may not negatively affectthe user-controlled elements in the primary game mode. In this way,among other benefits, users may test out the user-controlled elementsthat they have created and developed, or their strategies and skillsusing their user-controlled elements without incurring damage or otherimpacts to their user-controlled elements.

In some implementations, the system may include one or more servers. Theserver(s) may be configured to communicate with one or more clientcomputing platforms according to a client/server architecture. The usersmay access the system and/or a virtual space (e.g., a virtual world, agame space, etc.) via the client computing platforms.

The server(s) may be configured to execute one or more computer programmodules to facilitate secondary-game-mode sessions based onprimary-game-mode arrangements of user-controlled elements. The computerprogram modules may include one or more of a game module, a user elementmodule, an artificial-intelligence element module, a primary modemodule, a secondary mode module, and/or other modules. In someimplementations, the client computing platforms may be configured toexecute one or more computer program modules that are the same as orsimilar to the computer program modules of the server(s) to facilitatesecondary-game-mode sessions based on primary-game-mode arrangements ofuser-controlled elements.

The game module may be configured to execute an instance of a gamespace. The game module may be configured to facilitate presentation ofviews of the game space to users. The game space may be configured tofacilitate interaction of the users with the game space and/or eachother by performing operations in the game space in response to commandsreceived from the users.

The user element module may be configured to manage a plurality ofuser-controlled elements existing in the game space that are controlledby, positioned by, or associated with the users. By way of example, theusers may include a first user, a second user, or other users. Theplurality of user-controlled elements may include one or more firstuser-controlled elements existing in the game space that are controlledby, positioned by, or associated with the first user, one or more seconduser-controlled elements existing in the game space that are controlledby, positioned by, or associated with the second user, or otheruser-controlled elements existing in the game space that are controlledby, positioned by, or associated with the other users.

In certain implementations, the plurality of user-controlled elementsmay include structures, character units, items, or other elementscontrolled by, positioned by, or associated with the users. The one ormore first user-controlled elements may include one or more of firststructures, first character units, first items, or other elementscontrolled by, positioned by, or associated with the first user. The oneor more second user-controlled elements may include one or more ofsecond structures, second character units, second items, or otherelements controlled by, positioned by, or associated with the seconduser.

In some implementations, the game space may include a plurality ofareas. The plurality of areas may include a first area associated withthe first user, a second area associated with the second user, or otherareas. In one or more implementations, the user element module may beconfigured such that the first structures, the first character units, orthe first items come into existence with respect to the game space inthe first area. For example, the game that takes place may include arealm-building mechanic, wherein a realm of the first user is associatedwith the first area.

The artificial-intelligence element module may be configured to manage aplurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements (e.g.,structures, character units, items, or other elements controlled byartificial intelligence). For example, the plurality ofartificial-intelligence-controlled elements may include one or morefirst artificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one ormore first secondary-game-mode parameters, one or more secondartificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one or moresecond secondary-game-mode parameters, or otherartificial-intelligence-controlled elements. Secondary-game-modeparameters may, for instance, relate to: one or more difficulty levels;one or more types of elements; one or more formations of the elementsthat relate to attack, defense, or other actions of the elements; orother characteristics relating to a secondary-game-mode session or theelements in a secondary-game-mode session.Artificial-intelligence-controlled elements may include one or moreelements that are separate instances or the same element types aselements that are controlled by users within the game space

The primary mode module may be configured to manage a plurality ofactions by the one or more first user-controlled elements, one or moreother user-controlled elements, or one or more otherartificial-intelligence-controlled elements in a primary game mode ofthe game space. By way of example, the plurality of actions may includeattacks by the one or more first user-controlled elements on the one ormore other user-controlled elements or attacks by the one or more otheruser-controlled elements on the one or more first user-controlledelements. As another example, the plurality of actions may includeattacks by the one or more first user-controlled elements on the otherartificial-intelligence-controlled elements or attacks by the one ormore other artificial-intelligence-controlled elements on the one ormore first user-controlled elements.

The secondary mode module may be configured to receive a session requestfrom the first user for a session in a secondary game mode of the gamespace. In certain implementations, the session request may includeinformation identifying one or more secondary-game-mode parameters for asession in the secondary game mode. In some implementations, secondarymode module 114 may be configured to select the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements (associated with the firstsecondary-game-mode parameters) as opponents against the one or morefirst user-controlled elements for the first session. The selection may,for instance, be based on a determination that the one or moresecondary-game-mode parameters correspond to the one or more firstsecondary-game-mode parameters.

The secondary mode module may be configured to execute a first sessionfor the first user in the secondary game mode such that: (i) the firstsession involves the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against the oneor more first user-controlled elements; (ii) an arrangement of the oneor more first user-controlled elements at a beginning of the firstsession is the same as an arrangement of the one or more firstuser-controlled elements in the primary game mode at a time of thesession request; or (iii) one or more impacts on the one or more firstuser-controlled elements during the first session in the secondary gamemode are not reflected for the one or more first user-controlledelements in the primary game mode.

In various implementations, the one or more impacts may include amodification to one or more hit point statuses of the one or more firstuser-controlled elements. The modification to the one or more hit pointstatuses may, for instance, relates to one or more actions of the one ormore first user-controlled elements or the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements during the first session. Insome implementations, the modification may include an increase to atleast one of the one or more hit point statuses of at least one of theone or more first user-controlled elements, or a decrease to at leastanother one of the one or more hit point statuses of at least anotherone of the one or more first user-controlled elements.

In certain implementations, the secondary mode module may be configuredsuch that the modification is reflected for the one or more firstuser-controlled elements in the secondary game mode while not reflectedfor the one or more first user-controlled elements in the primary g emode.

As indicated, in various implementations, the plurality ofuser-controlled elements may include structures, character units, items,or other elements controlled by, positioned by, or associated with theusers. The one or more first user-controlled elements may include one ormore of first structures, first character units, first items, or otherelements controlled by, positioned by, or associated with the firstuser. In one or more implementations, the primary mode module or thesecondary mode module may be configured such that one or more of thefirst structures, the first character units, or the first items defendthe first area in the primary game mode and during the first session inthe second game mode.

As indicated, in some implementations, the plurality ofartificial-intelligence-controlled elements may include the one or morefirst artificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one ormore first secondary-game-mode parameters, the one or more secondartificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one or moresecond secondary-game-mode parameters, or otherartificial-intelligence-controlled elements. In one or moreimplementations, the secondary mode module may be configured such thatthe one or more first secondary-game-mode parameters include a parameterrelating to first difficulty level, and the one or more secondsecondary-game-mode parameters include a parameter relating to a seconddifficulty level that is different than the first difficult level.

In certain implementations, the secondary mode module may be configuredto manage instruction sets relating to actions to be performed by one ormore of the plurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elementsduring a session in the secondary game mode. The instruction sets mayinclude a first instruction set that is associated with the one or morefirst secondary-game-mode parameters and that relates to first actionsto be performed by one or more of the plurality ofartificial-intelligence-controlled elements during a session in thesecondary game mode.

In some implementations, the execution of the first session by thesecondary mode module may comprise execution of the first instructionset to cause the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlledelements to perform the first actions during the first session. Thesecondary mode module may, for instance, execute the first instructionset to cause the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlledelements to perform the first actions during the first session based onthe determination that the one or more secondary-game-mode parameters(identified by information in the session request) correspond to the oneor more first secondary-game-mode parameters (to which the firstinstruction set is associated).

In one or more implementations, the secondary mode module may beconfigured such that the first actions performed by the one or morefirst artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during the firstsession include one or more of: (i) attacking the one or more firstuser-controlled elements in accordance with one or more first formationsof the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements; or(ii) defending against the one or more first user-controlled elements inaccordance with one or more second formations of the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements.

In various implementations, the secondary mode module may be configuredto receive another session request from the first user for a session inthe secondary game mode that is to occur after the first session. Theother session request may include information identifying one or moreother secondary-game-mode parameters for a session in the secondary gamemode. The secondary mode module may be configured to select the one ormore second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponentsagainst the one or more first user-controlled elements for a secondsession for the first user in the secondary game mode. The selectionmay, for instance, be based on a determination that the one or moreother secondary-game-mode parameters (identified by information in theother session request) correspond to the one or more secondsecondary-game-mode parameters (to which the one or more secondartificial-intelligence-controlled elements are associated).

In some implementations, the secondary mode module may be configured toexecute the second session such that: (i) the second session involvesthe one or more second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements asopponents against the one or more first user-controlled elements; (ii)an arrangement of the one or more first user-controlled elements at abeginning of the second session is an arrangement of the one or morefirst user-controlled elements at a time of the other session request;or (iii) one or more other impacts on the one or more firstuser-controlled elements during the second session in the secondary gamemode are not reflected for the one or more first user-controlledelements in the primary game mode.

In certain implementations, the secondary mode module may be configuredsuch that the instruction sets include a second instruction set that isassociated with the one or more second secondary-game-mode parametersand that relates to second actions to be performed by one or more of theplurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during asession in the secondary game mode. In one or more implementations, theexecution of the second session by the secondary mode module maycomprise execution of the second set of instructions to cause the one ormore second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements to perform thesecond actions during the second session. The secondary mode module may,for instance, execute the second set of instructions to cause the one ormore second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements to perform thesecond actions during the second session based on the determination thatthe one or more other secondary-game-mode parameters correspond to theone or more second secondary-game-mode parameters.

In some implementations, the second actions performed by the one or moresecond artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during the secondsession may include one or more of: (i) attacking the one or more firstuser-controlled elements in accordance with one or more third formationsof the one or more second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements;or (ii) defending against the one or more first user-controlled elementsin accordance with one or more fourth formations of the one or moresecond artificial-intelligence-controlled elements. The one or morethird formations may be different than the one or more first formations(with which the first actions are performed during the first session).The one or more fourth formations may be different than the one or moresecond formations (with which the first actions are performed during thefirst session).

These and other features, and characteristics of the present technology,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structure and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As usedin the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured to facilitate secondary-game-modesessions based on primary-game-mode arrangements of user-controlledelements, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a user interface for initiating a secondary-game-modesession, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 3 illustrates a variety of formations relating to actions ofelements, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of facilitating secondary-game-mode sessionsbased on primary-game-mode arrangements of user-controlled elements, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of facilitating differentsecondary-game-mode sessions based on different second-game-modeparameters, in accordance with one or more implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 configured to facilitatesecondary-game-mode sessions based on primary-game-mode arrangements ofuser-controlled elements, in accordance with one or moreimplementations. In exemplary implementations, regular game play may beprovided to users in a primary game mode of a game space where the usersmay create and develop their user-controlled elements to defend theirbases, attack other bases of other users, or perform other actions.Training, practice, or other sessions may be executed in a secondarygame mode of the game space for users where an arrangement of theuser-controlled elements of a user at a beginning of a session in thesecondary game mode is the same as an arrangement of the user-controlledelements in the primary game mode at a time of a session request for thesecondary-game-mode session by the user. As used herein, an arrangementof elements (e.g., user-controlled elements,artificial-intelligence-controlled elements, etc.) may refer to: one ormore placements of the elements relative to one another, relative to anarea, or at absolute locations with respect to the game space; one ormore capabilities of the elements; one or more statuses of the elements;one or more predetermined actions to be taken by the elements; or otherarrangement aspects relating to the elements.

In certain implementations, impacts on the user-controlled elementsduring the secondary-game-mode session may not be reflected for theuser-controlled elements in the primary game mode. For example, damageto the user-controlled elements that is caused byartificial-intelligence-controlled elements or other opponents duringthe secondary-game session may not negatively affect the user-controlledelements in the primary game mode. In this way, among other benefits,users may test out the user-controlled elements that they have createdand developed, or their strategies and skills using theiruser-controlled elements without incurring damage or other impacts totheir user-controlled elements.

In some implementations, system 100 may include one or more servers 102.Server(s) 102 may be configured to communicate with one or more clientcomputing platforms 104 according to a client/server architecture. Theusers may access system 100 and/or a virtual space (e.g., a virtualworld, a game space, etc.) via client computing platforms 104.

Server(s) 102 may be configured to execute one or more computer programmodules to facilitate secondary-game-mode sessions based onprimary-game-mode arrangements of user-controlled elements. The computerprogram modules may include one or more of a game module 106, a userelement module 108, an artificial-intelligence element module 110, aprimary mode module 112, a secondary mode module 114, and/or othermodules. In some implementations, client computing platforms 104 may beconfigured to execute one or more computer program modules that are thesame as or similar to the computer program modules of server(s) 102 tofacilitate secondary-game-mode sessions based on primary-game-modearrangements of user-controlled elements.

Game module 106 may be configured to execute an instance of a gamespace. In some implementations, the game space may be a virtual space.As such, an instance of the game space may be an instance of the virtualspace. A space module (not shown for illustrative convenience) may beconfigured to implement the instance of the virtual space executed bythe computer modules to determine state of the virtual space. The statemay then be communicated (e.g., via streaming visual data, viaobject/position data, and/or other state information) from server(s) 102to client computing platforms 104 for presentation to users. The statedetermined and transmitted to a given client computing platform 104 maycorrespond to a view or a user character being controlled by a user viathe given client computing platform 104. The state determined andtransmitted to a given client computing platform 104 may correspond to alocation in the virtual space. The view described by the state for thegiven client computing platform may correspond, for example, to thelocation from which the view is taken, the location the view depicts,and/or other locations, a zoom ratio, a dimensionality of objects, apoint-of-view, and/or view parameters of the view. One or more of theview parameters may be selectable by the user.

The instance of the virtual space may comprise a simulated space that isaccessible by users via clients (e.g., client computing platforms 104)that present the views of the virtual space to a user. The simulatedspace may have a topography, express ongoing real-time interaction byone or more users, and/or include one or more objects positioned withinthe topography that are capable of locomotion within the topography. Insome instances, the topography may be a 2-dimensional topography. Inother instances, the topography may be a 3-dimensional topography. Thetopography may include dimensions of the space, and/or surface featuresof a surface or objects that are “native” to the space. In someinstances, the topography may describe a surface (e.g., a groundsurface) that runs through at least a substantial portion of the space.In some instances, the topography may describe a volume with one or morebodies positioned therein (e.g., a simulation of gravity-deprived spacewith one or more celestial bodies positioned therein). The instanceexecuted by the computer modules may be synchronous, asynchronous,and/or semi-synchronous.

The above description of the manner in which state of the virtual spaceis determined by the space module is not intended to be limiting. Thespace module may be configured to express the virtual space in a morelimited, or more rich, manner. For example, views determined for thevirtual space representing the state of the instance of the virtualspace may be selected from a limited set of graphics depicting an eventin a given place within the virtual space. The views may includeadditional content (e.g., text, audio, pre-stored video content, and/orother content) that describes particulars of the current state of theplace, beyond the relatively generic graphics. For example, a view mayinclude a generic battle graphic with a textual description of theopponents to be confronted. Other expressions of individual placeswithin the virtual space are contemplated.

Within the instance(s) of the virtual space executed by the spacemodule, users may control characters, objects (e.g., structures, items,and/or other objects), simulated physical phenomena (e.g., wind, rain,earthquakes, and/or other phenomena), and/or other elements within thevirtual space to interact with the virtual space and/or each other. Theuser characters may include avatars. As used herein, the term “usercharacter” may refer to an object (or group of objects) present in thevirtual space that represents an individual user. The user character maybe controlled by the user with which it is associated. Theuser-controlled element(s) may move through and interact with thevirtual space (e.g., non-user characters in the virtual space and/orother objects in the virtual space). The user-controlled elementscontrolled by, positioned by, and/or associated with a given user may becreated and/or customized by the given user. The user may have an“inventory” of virtual goods and/or currency that the user can use(e.g., by manipulation of a user character and/or other user-controlledelement) within the virtual space.

The users may participate in the instance of the virtual space bycontrolling one or more of the available user controlled elements in thevirtual space. Control may be exercised through control inputs and/orcommands input by the users through client computing platforms 104. Theusers may interact with each other through communications exchangedwithin the virtual space. Such communications may include one or more oftextual chat, instant messages, private messages, voice communications,and/or other communications. Communications may be received and enteredby the users via their respective client computing platforms 104.Communications may be routed to and from the appropriate users throughserver(s) 102 (e.g., through the space module).

User element module 108 may be configured to manage a plurality ofuser-controlled elements existing in the game space that are controlledby, positioned by, or associated with the users. By way of example, theusers may include a first user, a second user, or other users. Theplurality of user-controlled elements may include one or more firstuser-controlled elements existing in the game space that are controlledby, positioned by, or associated with the first user, one or more seconduser-controlled elements existing in the game space that are controlledby, positioned by, or associated with the second user, or otheruser-controlled elements existing in the game space that are controlledby, positioned by, or associated with the other users.

In certain implementations, the plurality of user-controlled elementsmay include structures, character units, items, or other elementscontrolled by, positioned by, or associated with the users. The one ormore first user-controlled elements may include one or more of firststructures, first character units, first items, or other elementscontrolled by, positioned by, or associated with the first user. The oneor more second user-controlled elements may include one or more ofsecond structures, second character units, second items, or otherelements controlled by, positioned by, or associated with the seconduser. In one use case, structures under control of users may includedefensive walls, barracks, watch towers, factories, bunkers, turrets, orother structures. The respective controlling users of the structures maydevelop the structures by adding weaponry or other capabilities to thestructures, enhancing defense of the structures, or performing otherupgrades. The structures, the upgrades relating to the structures, orother modifications to the arrangement of the structures may persist inthe game space, for instance, so long as the structures are notdeconstructed or destroyed by the controlling user, otheruser-controlled elements, artificial-intelligence controlled elements,etc.

In another use case, character units under control of users may includeland-based combat units, water-based combat units, air-based combatunits, medical units, mechanical repair units, construction units,resource collecting units, or other character units. The respectivecontrolling users of the character units may develop the character unitsby equipping the character units with additional weaponry, training thecharacter units to have new capabilities or to perform tasks moreefficiently, or performing other upgrades. The character units, theupgrades relating to the character units, or other modifications to thearrangement of the character units may persist in the game space, forinstance, so long as the character units are not dismissed, killed, ordestroyed by the controlling user, other user-controlled elements,artificial-intelligence-controlled elements, etc.

In another use case, items under control of users may include vehiclesfor use by character units, weapons for equipping combat-relatedstructures or character units, medical equipment for medical-relatedstructures or character units, mechanical equipment for mechanic repairor construction units, or other items. The items, upgrades relating tothe items, or other modifications to the arrangement of the items maypersist in the game space, for instance, so long as the items are notdiscarded, given away, sold, or used up by the controlling user, theitems are not destroyed, stolen, or taken by other elements in the gamespace, etc.

In some implementations, the game space may include a plurality ofareas. The plurality of areas may include a first area associated withthe first user, a second area associated with the second user, or otherareas. In one or more implementations, user element module may beconfigured such that the first structures, the first character units, orthe first items come into existence with respect to the game space inthe first area. In one scenario, for instance, the first area may be anisland, a base, or other area that is designated for the first user.Goals of the first user in the game space may include development of thefirst area, defending the first area from opponents (e.g.,user-controlled elements controlled by other users,artificial-intelligence controlled elements, or other opponents),attacking other areas controlled by other users or by artificialintelligence, etc. To achieve these goals, the first user may bring anelement into existence with respect to the game space by “warping in”the element to the first area in the game space, constructing theelement in the first area, spawning the element in the first area, etc.For example, a warping structure in the first area may be used to “warpin” warriors to cause those warriors to actually exist in the gamespace. As another example, a factory may be constructed in the firstarea by character units under control of the first user. The factory maybe used to construct vehicles to be used by other character units,drones, or other items.

Artificial-intelligence element module 110 may be configured to manage aplurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements (e.g.,structures, character units, items, or other elements controlled byartificial intelligence). For example, the plurality ofartificial-intelligence-controlled elements may include one or morefirst artificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one ormore first secondary-game-mode parameters, one or more secondartificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one or moresecond secondary-game-mode parameters, or otherartificial-intelligence-controlled elements. Secondary-game-modeparameters may, for instance, relate to: one or more difficulty levels;one or more types of elements; one or more formations of the elementsthat relate to attack, defense, or other actions of the elements; orother characteristics relating to a secondary-game-mode session or theelements in a secondary-game-mode session. Further details with respectto secondary-game-mode parameters are provided herein.

Primary mode module 112 may be configured to manage a plurality ofactions by the one or more first user-controlled elements, one or moreother user-controlled elements, or one or more otherartificial-intelligence-controlled elements in a primary game mode ofthe game space. By way of example, the plurality of actions may includeattacks by the one or more first user-controlled elements on the one ormore other user-controlled elements or attacks by the one or more otheruser-controlled elements on the one or more first user-controlledelements. As another example, the plurality of actions may includeattacks by the one or more first user-controlled elements on the otherartificial-intelligence-controlled elements or attacks by the one ormore other artificial-intelligence-controlled elements on the one ormore first user-controlled elements.

Secondary mode module 114 may be configured to receive a session requestfrom the first user for a session in a secondary game mode of the gamespace. In certain implementations, the session request may includeinformation identifying one or more secondary-game-mode parameters for asession in the secondary game mode. In some implementations, secondarymode module 14 may be configured to select the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements (associated with the firstsecondary-game-mode parameters) as opponents against the one or morefirst user-controlled elements for the first session. The selection may,for instance, be based on a determination that the one or moresecondary-game-mode parameters correspond to the one or more firstsecondary-game-mode parameters.

For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a user interface 200 for initiating asecondary-game-mode session, in accordance with one or moreimplementations. As shown, user interface 200 may enable a user tocustomize and initiate a session in the secondary game space byselecting a difficulty level for the secondary-game-mode session andselecting a set of formations relating to attack, defense, or otheractions to be performed by artificial-intelligence-controlled opponentsduring the secondary-game-mode session. A session request may bereceived by secondary mode module 114 when, for instance, the useractivates the “BEGIN SESSION” button.

In one use case, the difficulty level selected by the user may determinethe number of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements that areselected as opponents against user-controlled elements of the user, thecapabilities of the artificial-intelligence-controlled elements, and thestatuses of the artificial-intelligence-controlled elements.

In another use case, with respect to FIG. 2, the set of formationsselected by a user may determine the varying formations that will beutilized by the artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during thesecondary-game-mode session, the types ofartificial-intelligence-controlled elements utilized for the formations,and other characteristics relating to the formations. As an example, afirst formation set selected by the user may causeartificial-intelligence-controlled elements of a first combination oftypes (e.g., land-based combat units and medical units) to be to beutilized in formations during the secondary-game-mode session, while asecond formation set selected by the user may causeartificial-intelligence-controlled elements of a second combination oftypes (e.g., land-based combat units, air-based combat units, medicalunits, and mechanical repair units) to be utilized in formations duringthe secondary-game-mode session.

As another example, with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, a first formation setselected by the user may cause one or more of formations 302-310 orother formations to be utilized by artificial-intelligence-controlledopponents during the secondary-game-mode session, while a secondformation set selected by the user may cause one or more other ones offormations 302-310 or other formations to be utilized byartificial-intelligence-controlled opponents during thesecondary-game-mode session.

In one scenario, with respect to formations 302-310, line formation 302may be a tactical formation that provides frontage for volley fire,while sacrificing maneuverability and defense against cavalry. Columnformation 304 may be a tactical formation that provides rapid movementand maneuverability, but may limit the number of weapons that can beutilized at a time. Square formation 306 may be a tactical formation toarrange for tactical concentration of force. Wedge formation 308 may bea tactical formation to cut through and/or divide opposition forces.Echelon formation 310 may be a tactical formation that provides a groupof character units in echelon formation 310 a greater range of visionand/or the ability to move opposition forces to the left or the right(e.g., depending on the direction of the echelon).

Secondary mode module 114 may be configured to execute a first sessionfor the first user in the secondary game mode such that: (i) the firstsession involves the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against the oneor more first user-controlled elements; (ii) an arrangement of the oneor more first user-controlled elements at a beginning of the firstsession is the same as an arrangement of the one or more firstuser-controlled elements in the primary game mode at a time of thesession request; or (iii) one or more impacts on the one or more firstuser-controlled elements during the first session in the secondary gamemode are not reflected for the one or more first user-controlledelements in the primary game mode.

As used herein, an arrangement of user-controlled elements may refer to:one or more placements of the user-controlled elements relative to oneanother, relative to an area, or at absolute locations with respect tothe game space; one or more capabilities of the user-controlledelements; one or more statuses of the user-controlled elements; one ormore predetermined actions to be taken by the user-controlled elements;or other arrangement aspects relating to the user-controlled elements.By way of example, placement of the user-controlled elements relative toone another may include placement of the user-controlled elements in oneor more of the formations 302-310 of FIG. 3 or other formations forattack, defense, or other purposes. Placement of the user-controlledelements relative to an area may include placement of theuser-controlled elements within predetermined distances from the centerof the area or the boundaries of the area to ready the user-controlledelements to attack the area, defend the area, etc. By way of anotherexample, capabilities of the user-controlled elements may include combatcapabilities, repair capabilities, medical capabilities, storagecapabilities, construction capabilities, training capabilities, or othercapabilities. Statuses of the user-controlled elements may include hitpoint statuses, attack power statuses, defense strength statuses, travelspeed statuses, or other statuses. Predetermined actions to be taken bythe user-controlled elements may include actions to be taken responsiveto an occurrence of one or more conditions, actions by theuser-controlled elements that are currently in-progress, or otheractions.

In one use case, a hit point status of a user-controlled element that iscontrolled by, positioned by, or associated with a first user may be500/500 hit points in the primary game mode when the user initiates asession request for a session in the secondary game mode. As such, whenthe secondary-game-mode session begins, the hit point status of theuser-controlled element may be 500/500 hit points for thesecondary-game-mode session. Other arrangement aspects of theuser-controlled element at the beginning of the secondary-game-modesession may be the same as the other arrangement aspects of theuser-controlled element at the time of the session request.

In another use case, damage or other modification to the user-controlledelements caused during the secondary-game-mode session may be reflectedin the secondary game mode, but not reflected for the user-controlledelements in the primary game mode. For example, the user-controlledelements may be killed, destroyed, or otherwise rendered unusable to theuser during the secondary-game-mode session as a result of actions byartificial-intelligence-controlled opponents in the secondary-game-modesession. However, once the secondary-game-mode session ends, and theuser is returned to the primary game mode, the user-controlled elementmay be alive, intact, and otherwise usable by the user in the primarygame mode. The user-controlled element may, for instance, have the samearrangement after the user is returned to the primary game mode as thearrangement of the user-controlled element at the time of the sessionrequest or at the beginning of the secondary-game-mode session.

In various implementations, the one or more impacts may include amodification to one or more hit point statuses of the one or more firstuser-controlled elements. The modification to the one or more hit pointstatuses may, for instance, relate to one or more actions of the one ormore first user-controlled elements or the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements during the first session. Insome implementations, the modification may include an increase to atleast one of the one or more hit point statuses of at least one of theone or more first user-controlled elements, or a decrease to at leastanother one of the one or more hit point statuses of at least anotherone of the one or more first user-controlled elements. For example, inone scenario, a user-controlled element may attack anartificial-intelligence-controlled opponent during the first session byabsorbing the hit points of the artificial-intelligence-controlledopponent, resulting in an increase in the hit point status of theuser-controlled element performing the absorption. In another scenario,a user-controlled element may be attacked by anartificial-intelligence-controlled element, resulting in a decrease inthe hit point status of the user-controlled element.

In certain implementations, secondary mode module 114 may be configuredsuch that the modification is reflected for the one or more firstuser-controlled elements in the secondary game mode while not reflectedfor the one or more first user-controlled elements in the primary gamemode. For example, at least some of the one or more firstuser-controlled elements may suffer a decrease in their hit pointstatuses during the secondary-game-mode session as a result of actionsby artificial-intelligence-controlled opponents in thesecondary-game-mode session. However, once the secondary-game-modesession ends, and the first user is returned to the primary game mode,it may appear that the first user-controlled elements never suffered thehit point status decrease that occurred in thesecondary-game-mode-session. The first user-controlled elements may, forinstance, have the same hit point statuses after the user is returned tothe primary game mode as the arrangement of the first user-controlledelements at the time of the session request or at the beginning of thesecondary-game-mode session.

In some implementations, the one or more impacts may include one or moremodifications to one or more other statuses (e.g., attack powerstatuses, defense strength statuses, travel speed statuses, or otherstatuses) of the one or more first user-controlled elements. In one ormore implementations, the one or more impacts may include one or moremodifications to one or more other arrangement aspects of the one ormore first user-controlled elements.

As indicated, in various implementations, the plurality ofuser-controlled elements may include structures, character units, items,or other elements controlled by, positioned by, or associated with theusers. The one or more first user-controlled elements may include one ormore of first structures, first character units, first items, or otherelements controlled by, positioned by, or associated with the firstuser. In one or more implementations, the primary mode module or thesecondary mode module may be configured such that one or more of thefirst structures, the first character units, or the first items defendthe first area in the primary game mode and during the first session inthe second game mode.

In one use case, the first structures, the first charter units, and thefirst items may defend the first area in the primary game mode againstother user-controlled elements that are controlled by, positioned by, orassociated with other users opposing the first user. When the firstsession in the secondary game mode begins, the first structures, thefirst character units, and the first items may then defend the firstarea in the secondary game mode againstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements that are selected asopponents for the first session. In another use case, attacks on thefirst area in the primary game mode by other user-controlled elementsmay be suspended while the first session is active. In yet another usecase, the arrangement or the actions of the first structures, the firstcharacter units, and the first items during the first session in thesecondary game mode may be seen by other users and/or theiruser-controlled elements that are in the primary game mode.

As indicated, in some implementations, the plurality ofartificial-intelligence-controlled elements may include the one or morefirst artificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one ormore first secondary-game-mode parameters, the one or more secondartificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one or moresecond secondary-game-mode parameters, or otherartificial-intelligence-controlled elements. In one or moreimplementations, secondary mode module 114 may be configured such thatthe one or more first secondary-game-mode parameters include a parameterrelating to first difficulty level, and the one or more secondsecondary-game-mode parameters include a parameter relating to a seconddifficulty level that is different than the first difficult level. Inone scenario, with respect to FIG. 2, a user may utilize user interface200 to select a difficulty level for a secondary-game-mode session.Responsive to the selection of a difficulty level, a session requestfrom the user may identify one or more parameters relating to theselected difficulty level. As such, a secondary-game-mode sessionexecuted for the user may correspond to the selected difficulty level.

In certain implementations, secondary mode module 114 may be configuredto manage instruction sets relating to actions to be performed by one ormore of the plurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elementsduring a session in the secondary game mode. The instruction sets mayinclude a first instruction set that is associated with the one or morefirst secondary-game-mode parameters and that relates to first actionsto be performed by one or more of the plurality ofartificial-intelligence-controlled elements during a session in thesecondary game mode.

In some implementations, the execution of the first session by secondarymode module 114 may comprise execution of the first instruction set tocause the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elementsto perform the first actions during the first session. Secondary modemodule 114 may, for instance, execute the first instruction set to causethe one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements toperform the first actions during the first session based on thedetermination that the one or more secondary-game-mode parameters(identified by information in the session request) correspond to the oneor more first secondary-game-mode parameters (to which the firstinstruction set is associated). In one scenario, for instance, the oneor more secondary-game-mode parameters and the one or more firstsecondary game-game-mode parameters may relate to the same difficultylevel, the same types of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements tobe utilized as opponents for a secondary-game-mode session, or the sameformations of the artificial-intelligence-controlled elements thatrelate to attack, defense, or other actions of the artificial-controlledelements.

In one or more implementations, secondary mode module 114 may beconfigured such that the first actions performed by the one or morefirst artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during the firstsession include one or more of: (i) attacking the one or more firstuser-controlled elements in accordance with one or more first formationsof the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements; or(ii) defending against the one or more first user-controlled elements inaccordance with one or more second formations of the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements.

In various implementations, secondary mode module 114 may be configuredto receive another session request from the first user for a session inthe secondary game mode that is to occur after the first session. Theother session request may include information identifying one or moreother secondary-game-mode parameters for a session in the secondary gamemode. Secondary mode module 114 may be configured to select the one ormore second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponentsagainst the one or more first user-controlled elements for a secondsession for the first user in the secondary game mode. The selectionmay, for instance, be based on a determination that the one or moreother secondary-game-mode parameters (identified by information in theother session request) correspond to the one or more secondsecondary-game-mode parameters (to which the one or more secondartificial-intelligence-controlled elements are associated).

In some implementations, secondary mode module 114 may be configured toexecute the second session such that: (i) the second session involvesthe one or more second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements asopponents against the one or more first user-controlled elements; (ii)an arrangement of the one or more first user-controlled elements at abeginning of the second session is an arrangement of the one or morefirst user-controlled elements at a time of the other session request;or (iii) one or more other impacts on the one or more firstuser-controlled elements during the second session in the secondary gamemode are not reflected for the one or more first user-controlledelements in the primary game mode.

In certain implementations, secondary mode module 114 may be configuredsuch that the instruction sets include a second instruction set that isassociated with the one or more second secondary-game-mode parametersand that relates to second actions to be performed by one or more of theplurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during asession in the secondary game mode. In one or more implementations, theexecution of the second session by secondary mode module 114 maycomprise execution of the second set of instructions to cause the one ormore second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements to perform thesecond actions during the second session. Secondary mode module 114 may,for instance, execute the second set of instructions to cause the one ormore second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements to perform thesecond actions during the second session based on the determination thatthe one or more other secondary-game-mode parameters correspond to theone or more second secondary-game-mode parameters.

In some implementations, the second actions performed by the one or moresecond artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during the secondsession may include one or more of: (i) attacking the one or more firstuser-controlled elements in accordance with one or more third formationsof the one or more second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements;or (ii) defending against the one or more first user-controlled elementsin accordance with one or more fourth formations of the one or moresecond artificial-intelligence-controlled elements.

As indicated, in various implementations, the first actions performed bythe one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements duringthe first session may include attacking-related actions,defending-related actions, other actions in accordance with one or moreof the first formations or the second formations. In one or moreimplementations, the one or more third formations may be different thanthe one or more first formations. The one or more fourth formations maybe different than the one or more second formations.

Server(s) 102, client computing platforms 104, external resources 116,and/or other components may be operatively linked via one or moreelectronic communication links. For example, such electroniccommunication links may be established, at least in part, via a networksuch as the Internet and/or other networks. It will be appreciated thatthis is not intended to be limiting, and that the scope of thisdisclosure includes implementations in which server(s) 102, clientcomputing platforms 104, external resources 116, and/or other componentsmay be operatively linked via some other communication media.

A given client computing platform 104 may include one or more processorsconfigured to execute computer program modules. The computer programmodules may be configured to enable an expert or user associated withclient computing platform 104 to interlace with system 100 and/orexternal resources 116, and/or provide other functionality attributedherein to client computing platforms 104. By way of non-limitingexample, client computing platform 104 may include one or more of adesktop computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a netbook, asmartphone, a gaming console, and/or other computing platforms.

External resources 116 may include sources of information, hosts and/orproviders of virtual spaces outside of system 100, external entitiesparticipating with system 100, and/or other resources. In someimplementations, some or all of the functionality attributed herein toexternal resources 116 may be provided by resources included in system100.

In some implementations, server(s) 102 may include an electronic storage118, one or more processor(s) 120, and/or other components. Server(s)102 may include communication lines, or ports to enable the exchange ofinformation with a network and/or other computing platforms.Illustration of server(s) 102 in FIG. 1 is not intended to be limiting.Server(s) 102 may include a plurality of hardware, software, and/orfirmware components operating together to provide the functionalityattributed herein to server(s) 102. For example, server(s) 102 may beimplemented by a cloud of computing platforms operating together asserver(s) 102.

Electronic storage 118 may comprise non-transitory storage media thatelectronically stores information. The electronic storage media ofelectronic storage 118 may include one or both of system storage that isprovided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with server(s)102 and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to server(s)102 via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.)or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage 118 mayinclude one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., opticaldisks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape,magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-basedstorage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media(e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storagemedia. Electronic storage 118 may include one or more virtual storageresources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or othervirtual storage resources). Electronic storage 118 may store softwarealgorithms, information determined by processor(s) 120, informationreceived from server(s) 102, information received from client computingplatforms 104, and/or other information that enables server(s) 102 tofunction as described herein.

Processor(s) 120 is configured to provide information processingcapabilities in server(s) 102. As such, processor(s) 120 may include oneor more of a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuitdesigned to process information, an analog circuit designed to processinformation, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronicallyprocessing information. Although processor(s) 120 is shown in FIG. 1 asa single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In someimplementations, processor(s) 120 may include a plurality of processingunits. These processing units may be physically located within the samedevice, or processor(s) 120 may represent processing functionality of aplurality of devices operating in coordination. Processor(s) 120 may beconfigured to execute modules 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, and/or othermodules. Processor(s) 120 may be configured to execute modules 106, 108,110, 112, 114, and/or other modules by software; hardware; firmware;some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or othermechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor(s) 120.As noted, in certain implementations, a given client computing platform104 may include one or more computer program modules that is the same asor similar to the computer program modules of server(s) 102. Clientcomputing platform 104 may include one or more processors that are thesame or similar to processor(s) 120 of servers) 102 to execute suchcomputer program modules of client computing platform 104.

It should be appreciated that although modules 106, 108, 110, 112, and114 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as being co-located within a singleprocessing unit, in implementations in which processor(s) 120 includesmultiple processing units, one or more of modules 106, 108, 110, 112,and/or 114 may be located remotely from the other modules. Thedescription of the functionality provided by the different modules 106,108, 110, 112, and/or 114 described below is for illustrative purposes,and is not intended to be limiting, as any of modules 106, 108, 110,112, and/or 114 may provide more or less functionality than isdescribed. For example, one or more of modules 106, 108, 110, 112,and/or 114 may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality maybe provided by other ones of modules 106, 108, 110, 112, and/or 114. Asanother example, processor(s) 120 may be configured to execute one ormore additional modules that may perform some or all of thefunctionality attributed below to one of modules 106, 108, 110, 112,and/or 114.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of facilitating secondary-game-mode sessionsbased on primary-game-mode arrangements of user-controlled elements, inaccordance with one or more implementations. The operations of method400 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In someimplementations, method 400 may be accomplished with one or moreadditional operations not described, and/or without one or more of theoperations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations ofmethod 400 are illustrated in FIG. 4 and described below is not intendedto be limiting.

In some implementations, method 400 may be implemented in one or moreprocessing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, adigital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuitdesigned to process information, a state machine, and/or othermechanisms for electronically processing information). The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices executing some or allof the operations of method 400 in response to instructions storedelectronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices configured throughhardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed forexecution of one or more of the operations of method 400.

At an operation 402, a game instance of a game space may be executed.Operation 402 may be performed by a game module that is the same as orsimilar to game module 106, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

At an operation 404, presentation of views of the game space to usersmay be facilitated. The game space may be configured to facilitateinteraction of the users with the game space and/or each other byperforming operations in the game space in response to commands receivedfrom the users. Operation 404 may be performed by a game module that isthe same as or similar to game module 106, in accordance with one ormore implementations.

At an operation 406, a plurality of user-controlled elements existing inthe game space that are controlled by, positioned by, or associated withthe users may be managed. The users may include a first user. Theplurality of user-controlled elements may include one or more firstuser-controlled elements existing in the game space that are controlledby, positioned by, or associated with the first user. In certainimplementations, the plurality of user-controlled elements may includestructures, character units, or items controlled by, positioned by, orassociated with the users. In some implementations, the structures, thecharacter units, or the items may include first structures, firstcharacter units, or first items controlled by, positioned by, orassociated with the first user. The one or more first user-controlledelements may include one or more of the first structures, the firstcharacter units, or the first items. Operation 406 may be performed by auser element module that is the same as or similar to user elementmodule 108, in accordance with one or more implementations.

In various implementations, the game space may include a plurality ofareas. The plurality of areas may, for instance, include a first areaassociated with the first user. The one or more first user-controlledelements (e.g., the first structures, the first character units, thefirst items, or other first user-controlled elements) may, for instance,come into existence with respect to the game space in the first area. Insome implementations, the one or more first user controlled elements(e.g., the first structures, the first character units, the first items,or other first user-controlled elements) may defend the first area inthe primary game mode and during the first session in the second gamemode.

At an operation 408, a plurality of artificial-intelligence-controlledelements may be managed. The plurality ofartificial-intelligence-controlled elements may include one or morefirst artificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one ormore first secondary-game-mode parameters. Operation 408 may beperformed by an artificial-intelligence element module that is the sameas or similar to artificial-intelligence element module 110, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation 410, a plurality of actions by the one or more firstuser-controlled elements, one or more other user-controlled elements, orone or more other artificial-intelligence-controlled elements in aprimary game mode of the game space may be managed. For example, theplurality of actions may include attacks by the one or more firstuser-controlled elements on the one or more other user-controlledelements or attacks by the one or more other user-controlled elements onthe one or more first user-controlled elements. Operation 410 may beperformed by a primary mode module that is the same as or similar toprimary mode module 112, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation 412, instruction sets relating to actions to beperformed by one or more of the plurality ofartificial-intelligence-controlled elements during a session in thesecondary game mode may be managed. The instruction sets may, forinstance, include a first instruction set that is associated with theone or more first secondary-game-mode parameters (to which the one ormore first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements are associated)and that relates to first actions to be performed by one or more of theplurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during asession in the secondary game mode. Operation 412 may be performed by asecondary mode module that is the same as or similar to secondary modemodule 114, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation 414, a session request for a session in a secondary gamemode of the game space may be received from the first user. The sessionrequest may, for instance, include information identifying one or moresecondary-game-mode parameters for a session in the secondary game mode.Operation 414 may be performed by a secondary mode module that is thesame as or similar to secondary mode module 114, in accordance with oneor more implementations.

At an operation 416, the one or more secondary-game-mode parametersidentified by information in the session request may be determined tocorrespond to the one or more first secondary-game-mode parameters (towhich the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elementsare associated). Operation 416 may be performed by a secondary modemodule that is the same as or similar to secondary mode module 114, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation 418, the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements (associated with the one ormore first secondary-game-mode parameters) may be selected as opponentsagainst the one or more first user-controlled elements for a firstsession in the secondary game mode. The selection may, for instance, bebased on the determination that the one or more secondary-game-modeparameters (identified by information in the session request) correspondto the one or more first secondary-game-mode parameters. Operation 418may be performed by a secondary mode module that is the same as orsimilar to secondary mode module 114, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

At an operation 420, the first session may be executed in the secondarygame mode for the first user. The first session may, for instance, beexecuted such that: (i) the first session involves the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against the oneor more first user-controlled elements; (ii) an arrangement of the oneor more first user-controlled elements at a beginning of the firstsession is the same as an arrangement of the one or more firstuser-controlled elements in the primary game mode at a time of thesession request; or (iii) one or more impacts on the one or more firstuser-controlled elements during the first session in the secondary gamemode are not reflected for the one or more first user-controlledelements in the primary game mode. Operation 420 may be performed by asecondary mode module that is the same as or similar to secondary modemodule 114, in accordance with one or more implementations.

In certain implementations, with respect to operation 420, the one ormore impacts may include a modification to one or more hit pointstatuses of the one or more first user-controlled elements. For example,the modification may include an increase to at least one of the one ormore hit point statuses of at least one of the one or more firstuser-controlled elements, or a decrease to at least another one of theone or more hit point statuses of at least another one of the one ormore first user-controlled elements. The modification may, for instance,relate to one or more actions of the one or more first user-controlledelements or the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlledelements during the first session. In some implementations, themodification may be reflected for the one or more first user-controlledelements in the secondary game mode while not reflected for the one ormore first user-controlled elements in the primary game mode.

As indicated, in certain implementations, a first instruction set may beassociated with the one or more first secondary-game-mode parameters andrelate to first actions to be performed by one or more of the pluralityof artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during a session in thesecondary game mode.

In various implementations, with respect to operation 420, executing thefirst session may comprise executing the first instruction set to causethe one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements toperform the first actions during the first session. The execution of thefirst instruction set (associated with the one or more firstsecondary-game-mode parameters) may, for instance, be based on thedetermination that the one or more secondary-game-mode parameters(identified by information in the session request) correspond to the oneor more first secondary-game-mode parameters.

In some implementations, with respect to operation 420, the firstactions performed by the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements during the first sessioninclude one or more of: (i) attacking the one or more firstuser-controlled elements in accordance with one or more first formationsof the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements; or(ii) defending against the one or more first user-controlled elements inaccordance with one or more second formations of the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of facilitating differentsecondary-game-mode sessions based on different second-game-modeparameters. The operations of method 500 presented below are intended tobe illustrative. In some implementations, method 500 may be accomplishedwith one or more additional operations not described, and/or without oneor more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in whichthe operations of method 500 are illustrated in FIG. 5 and describedbelow is not intended to be limiting.

In some implementations, method 500 may be implemented in one or moreprocessing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, adigital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuitdesigned to process information, a state machine, and/or othermechanisms for electronically processing information). The one or oreprocessing devices may include one or more devices executing some or allof the operations of method 500 in response to instructions storedelectronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices configured throughhardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed forexecution of one or more of the operations of method 500.

In certain implementations, a plurality ofartificial-intelligence-controlled elements (e.g., that are managed byan artificial-intelligence element module that is the same as or similarto artificial-intelligence element module 110) may include one or morefirst artificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one ormore first secondary-game-mode parameters, one or more secondartificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one or moresecond secondary-game-mode parameters, or otherartificial-intelligence-controlled elements.

In some implementations, one or more of operations 402-420 may beperformed. For example, a session request for a session in the secondarygame mode may be received from a first user, and a first session may beexecuted in the secondary game mode for the first user based on thesession request. The first session may, for instance, be executed suchthat: (i) the first session involves the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against one ormore first user-controlled elements that are controlled by, positionedby, or associated with the first user; (ii) an arrangement of the one ormore first user-controlled elements at a beginning of the first sessionis the same as an arrangement of the one or more first user-controlledelements in the primary game mode at a time of the session request; or(iii) one or more impacts on the one or more first user-controlledelements during the first session in the secondary game mode are notreflected for the one or more first user-controlled elements in theprimary game mode.

At an operation 502, another session request for a session in thesecondary game mode that is to occur after the first session may bereceived from the first user. The other session request may, forinstance, include information identifying one or more othersecondary-game-mode parameters for a session in the secondary game modethat is to occur after the first session. Operation 502 may be performedby a secondary mode module that is the same as or similar to secondarymode module 114, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation 504, the one or more other secondary-game-modeparameters identified by information in the other session request may bedetermine to correspond to the one or more second secondary-game-modeparameters (that are different than the one or more firstsecondary-game-mode parameters). Operation 504 may be performed by asecondary mode module that is the same as or similar to secondary modemodule 114, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation 506, the one or more secondartificial-intelligence-controlled elements (associated with the one ormore second secondary-game-mode parameters) may be selected as opponentsagainst the one or more user-controlled elements for a second session inthe secondary game mode. The selection of the one or more secondartificial-intelligence-controlled elements may be based on thedetermination that the one or more other secondary-game-mode parameters(identified by information in the other session request) correspond tothe one or more second secondary-game-mode parameters. Operation 506 maybe performed by a secondary mode module that is the same as or similarto secondary mode module 114, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

At an operation 508, the second session may be executed in the secondarygame mode for the first user. The second session may, for instance, beexecuted such that: (i) the second session involves the one or moresecond artificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents againstthe one or more first user-controlled elements; (ii) an arrangement ofthe one or more first user-controlled elements at a beginning of thesecond session is an arrangement of the one or more firstuser-controlled elements at a time of the other session request; or(iii) one or more other impacts on the one or more first user-controlledelements during the second session in the secondary game mode are notreflected for the one or more first user-controlled elements in theprimary game mode. Operation 508 may be performed by a secondary modemodule that is the same as or similar to secondary mode module 114, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

As indicated, in certain implementations, instruction sets relating toactions to be performed by one or more of the plurality ofartificial-intelligence-controlled elements during a session in thesecondary game mode may be managed. The instruction sets may include:(i) a first instruction set that is associated with the one or morefirst secondary-game-mode parameters and that relates to first actionsto be performed by one or more of the plurality ofartificial-intelligence-controlled elements during a session in thesecondary game mode; and (ii) a second instruction set that isassociated with the one or more second secondary-game-mode parametersand that relates to second actions to be performed by one or more of theplurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during asession in the secondary game mode.

In various implementations, with respect to operation 508, executing thesecond session may comprise executing the second set of instructions tocause the one or more second artificial-intelligence-controlled elementsto perform the second actions during the second session. The executionof the second instruction set (associated with the one or more secondsecondary-game-mode parameters) may, for instance, be based on thedetermination that the one or more other secondary-game-mode parameters(identified by information in the other session request) correspond tothe one or more second secondary-game-mode parameters.

In some implementations, with respect to operation 508, the secondactions performed by the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements during the first sessioninclude one or more of: (i) attacking the one or more firstuser-controlled elements in accordance with one or more third formationsof the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements; or(ii) defending against the one or more first user-controlled elements inaccordance with one or more fourth formations of the one or more firstartificial-intelligence-controlled elements. The one or more thirdformations may be different than the one or more first formations (withwhich the first actions are performed during the first session). The oneor more fourth formations may be different than the one or more secondformations (with which the first actions are performed during the firstsession).

Although the present technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understoodthat such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology isnot limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any implementation can becombined with one or more features of any other implementation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for facilitating secondary-game-mode sessions based on primary-game-mode arrangements of user-controlled elements, the system comprising: one or more physical processors configured to execute computer program modules, the computer program modules comprising: a game module configured to execute an instance of a game space, and to facilitate presentation of views of the game space to users, wherein the game space is configured to facilitate interaction of the users with the game space and/or each other by performing operations in the game space in response to commands received from the users; a user element module configured to manage a plurality of user-controlled elements existing in the game space that are controlled by, positioned by, or associated with the users, wherein the users include a first user, and wherein the plurality of user-controlled elements include one or more first user-controlled elements existing in the game space that are controlled by, positioned by, or associated with the first user; an artificial-intelligence element module configured to manage a plurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements, wherein the plurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements include one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one or more first secondary-game-mode parameters; a primary mode module configured to manage a plurality of actions by the one or more first user-controlled elements, one or more other user-controlled elements, or one or more other artificial-intelligence-controlled elements in a primary game mode of the game space, wherein the plurality of actions include attacks by the one or more first user-controlled elements on the one or more other user-controlled elements or attacks by the one or more other user-controlled elements on the one or more first user-controlled elements; and a secondary mode module configured to receive a session request from the first user for a session in a secondary game mode of the game space, and to execute a first session for the first user in the secondary game mode such that: (i) the first session involves the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against the one or more first user-controlled elements; (ii) an arrangement of the one or more first user-controlled elements at a beginning of the first session is the same as an arrangement of the one or more first user-controlled elements in the primary game mode at a time of the session request; and (iii) one or more impacts on the one or more first user-controlled elements during the first session in the secondary game mode are not reflected for the one or more first user-controlled elements in the primary game mode.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of user-controlled elements include structures, character units, or items controlled by, positioned by, or associated with the users.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the game space includes a plurality of areas, wherein the plurality of areas include a first area associated with the first user, wherein the one or more first user-controlled elements include one or more of first structures, first character units, or first items controlled by, positioned by, or associated with the first user, and wherein the user-controlled element module is configured such that the first structures, the first character units, or the first items come into existence with respect to the game space in the first area.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the primary mode module and the secondary mode module are configured such that one or more of the first structures, the first character units, or the first items defend the first area in the primary game mode and during the first session in the second game mode.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the session request includes information identifying one or more secondary-game-mode parameters for a session in the secondary game mode, and wherein the secondary mode module is configured to select the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against the one or more first user-controlled elements for the first session based on a determination that the one or more secondary-game-mode parameters correspond to the one or more first secondary-game-mode parameters.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the secondary mode module is configured to manage instruction sets relating to actions to be performed by one or more of the plurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during a session in the secondary game mode, wherein the instruction sets include a first instruction set that is associated with the one or more first secondary-game-mode parameters and that relates to first actions to be performed by one or more of the plurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during a session in the secondary game mode, and wherein the execution of the first session by the secondary mode module comprise execution of the first instruction set to cause the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements to perform the first actions during the first session based on the determination that the one or more secondary-game-mode parameters correspond to the one or more first secondary-game-mode parameters.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the secondary mode module is configured such that the first actions performed by the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during the first session include one or more of: (i) attacking the one or more first user-controlled elements in accordance with one or more first formations of the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements; or (ii) defending against the one or more first user-controlled elements in accordance with one or more second formations of the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the artificial-intelligence element module is configured such that the plurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements include one or more second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one or more second secondary-game-mode parameters that are different than the one or more first secondary-game-mode parameters, and wherein the secondary mode module is configured to: receive another session request from the first user for a session in the secondary game mode that is to occur after the first session, wherein the other session request includes information identifying one or more other secondary-game-mode parameters for a session in the secondary game mode; select the one or more second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against the one or more first user-controlled elements for a second session for the first user in the secondary game mode based on a determination that the one or more other secondary-game-mode parameters correspond to the one or more second secondary-game-mode parameters; and execute the second session such that: (i) the second session involves the one or more second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against the one or more first user-controlled elements; (ii) an arrangement of the one or more first user-controlled elements at a beginning of the second session is an arrangement of the one or more first user-controlled elements at a time of the other session request; and (iii) one or more other impacts on the one or more first user-controlled elements during the second session in the secondary game mode are not reflected for the one or more first user-controlled elements in the primary game mode.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the secondary mode module is configured such that the instruction sets include a second instruction set that is associated with the one or more second secondary-game-mode parameters and that relates to second actions to be performed by one or more of the plurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during a session in the secondary game mode, and wherein the execution of the second session by the secondary mode module comprise execution of the second set of instructions to cause the one or more second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements to perform the second actions during the second session based on the determination that the one or more other secondary-game-mode parameters correspond to the one or more second secondary-game-mode parameters.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the second actions performed by the one or more second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during the second session include one or more of: (i) attacking the one or more first user-controlled elements in accordance with one or more third formations of the one or more second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements; or (ii) defending against the one or more first user-controlled elements in accordance with one or more fourth formations of the one or more second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements, and wherein the one or more third formations are different than the one or more first formations or the one or more fourth formations are different than the one or more second formations.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the artificial-intelligence element module is configured such that the plurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements include one or more second artificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one or more second secondary-game-mode parameters, and wherein the one or more first secondary-game-mode parameters include a parameter relating to a first difficulty level, and the one or more second secondary-game-mode parameters include a parameter relating to a second difficulty level that is different than the first difficult level.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more impacts include a modification to one or more hit point statuses of the one or more first user-controlled elements that relates to one or more actions of the one or more first user-controlled elements or the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during the first session, and wherein the secondary mode module is configured such that the modification is reflected for the one or more first user-controlled elements in the secondary game mode while not reflected for the one or more first user-controlled elements in the primary game mode.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the modification includes an increase to at least one of the one or more hit point statuses of at least one of the one or more first user-controlled elements, or a decrease to at least another one of the one or more hit point statuses of at east another one of the one or more first user-controlled elements.
 14. A computer-implemented method of facilitating secondary-game-mode sessions based on primary-game-mode arrangements of user-controlled elements, the method being implemented on a computer system that includes one or more physical processors, the method comprising: executing an instance of a game space; facilitating presentation of views of the game space to users, wherein the game space is configured to facilitate interaction of the users with the game space and/or each other by performing operations in the game space in response to commands received from the users; managing a plurality of user-controlled elements existing in the game space that are controlled by, positioned by, or associated with the users, wherein the users include a first user, and wherein the plurality of user-controlled elements include one or more first user-controlled elements existing in the game space that are controlled by, positioned by, or associated with the first user; managing a plurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements, wherein the plurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements include one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements associated with one or more first secondary-game-mode parameters; managing a plurality of actions by the one or more first user-controlled elements, one or more other user-controlled elements, or one or more other artificial-intelligence-controlled elements in a primary game mode of the game space, wherein the plurality of actions include attacks by the one or more first user-controlled elements on the one or more other user-controlled elements or attacks by the one or more other user-controlled elements on the one or more first user-controlled elements; and receiving a session request from the first user for a session in a secondary game mode of the game space; and executing a first session for the first user in the secondary game mode such that: (i) the first session involves the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against the one or more first user-controlled elements; (ii) an arrangement of the one or more first user-controlled elements at a beginning of the first session is the same as an arrangement of the one or more first user-controlled elements in the primary game mode at a time of the session request; and (iii) one or more impacts on the one or more first user-controlled elements during the first session in the secondary game mode are not reflected for the one or more first user-controlled elements in the primary game mode.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of user-controlled elements include structures, character units, or items controlled by, positioned by, or associated with the users.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the game space includes a plurality of areas, wherein the plurality of areas include a first area associated with the first user, wherein the one or more first user-controlled elements include one or more of first structures, first character units, or first items controlled by, positioned by, or associated with the first user, and wherein the first structures, the first character units, or the first items come into existence with respect to the game space in the first area.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein one or more of the first structures, the first character units, or the first items defend the first area in the primary game mode and during the first session in the second game mode.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the session request includes information identifying one or more secondary-game-mode parameters for a session in the secondary game mode, the method further comprising: selecting the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against the one or more first user-controlled elements for the first session based on a determination that the one or more secondary-game-mode parameters correspond to the one or more first secondary-game-mode parameters.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: managing instruction sets relating to actions to be performed by one or more of the plurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during a session in the secondary game mode, wherein the instruction sets include a first instruction set that is associated with the one or more first secondary-game-mode parameters and that relates to first actions to be performed by one or more of the plurality of artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during a session in the secondary game mode, and wherein executing the first session module comprise executing the first instruction set to cause the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements to perform the first actions during the first session based on the determination that the one or more secondary-game-mode parameters correspond to the one or ore first secondary-game-mode parameters.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first actions performed by the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements during the first session include one or more of: (i) attacking the one or more first user-controlled elements in accordance with one or more first formations of the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements; or (ii) defending against the one or more first user-controlled elements in accordance with one or more second formations of the one or more first artificial-intelligence-controlled elements. 